Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Gantt Center Jan. 19: Instrument for Change

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is presenting an event for MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place at the Gantt Center, 511 South Tryon Street, Charlotte.

MLK Day 2026: Instruments for Change is a free event for all ages, featuring dance, film, discussion, art activities and more.

Schedule

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Drop-in MLK Coloring Station
For children of all ages! Use crayons, markers, and colored pencils to bring to life an
assortment of creative coloring sheets, all themed for MLK Day.

9:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 3:00 pm
Story Time with Jerrard Polk: A Child’s Introduction to Jazz
Children will take a journey through the history of jazz during this interactive reading by
Jerrard Polk, illustrator of A Child’s Introduction to Jazz.

9:30 am & 11:30 am
Our Friend, Martin: Animated Film
A film about two middle school friends who travel through time, meeting Rev. Dr. King
at different points in his life. A crowd-favorite, this film features an all-star voice cast,
including Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.

10:00 am – 11:30 am
21st Century Art for Change – Panel Discussion
Moderated by de’Angelo Dia, this panel discussion on the arts and activism will feature
insights from Alexandra Joye Warren (Founder, JOYEMOVEMENT), Mario Moore
(Detroit-based artist, In Pursuit of Home Exhibition), and Nigel Malone (Founder,
Colorful Noise).

10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
Docent-Guided Tours
Guests will learn about the Gantt’s history, the building, and enjoy guided tours of the
current exhibitions on view, including Praise House: Adama Delphine Fawundu, Jazz
Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection, and In Pursuit of Home
by Mario Moore.

10:30am & 1:30pm
Rustin Movie Screening
Rustin (2023) is based on the true story of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black man and
civil rights activist, who served as advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and was instrumental
in organizing the 1963 March on Washington.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm
MacFly Fresh Printing
Guests will learn about the screen printing process with MacFly Fresh Printing Co. and
can bring items such as tote bags, t-shirts, posters, etc. for printing (limit 1 item per
person). Guests will learn about the screen printing process and walk away with a print
to take home. The Gantt’s Youth Residency students have created the MLK 2026
designs.

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Community Journaling Workshop with Strokes of Freedom
This journaling workshop, led by Ashley Wright, will include prompts to reflect on
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and explore how we can use our voices today to make a
difference. Pens and paper will be provided, but it is recommended that guests bring
their own journals for the session.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Civil Rights – Keynote Panel Discussion
A discussion on civil rights related to Charlotte’s past and present social and political
climate, moderated by Dr. Brenda Flanagan (Davidson College). Panelists Glenn Burkins
(Founder & Publisher of QCity Metro), Mel Watt (Former U.S. Representative), and
Council Member J. Mazuera Arias (District 5 Representative) will examine the history of
North Carolina’s political landscape and the movements for change from the Civil Rights
era to the present day.

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Jazz Performance with Lovell Bradford, pianist
Pianist Lovell Bradford will perform in the gallery of the exhibition, Jazz Greats: Classic
Photographs from the Bank of America Collection.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
JOYEMOVEMENT Dance Performance: Love Notes
Choreographed by Alexandra Joye Warren, Love Notes explores human connection
through movement. This interactive dance piece invites the audience to participate in
the performance.

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Instrument Petting Zoo
This hands-on activity will allow children and families to see, touch, hear, and play a
variety of musical instruments.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Affordable Housing – Panel Discussion
Christine Edwards Pitkin (Founder, Civility Localized) will lead a discussion on affordable
housing with Council Member LaWana Mayfield and board members from local
community organizations.

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Gantt Center Youth Residency “I Have A Dream”
This drop-in activity, led by the Youth Residency: At the Table students, invites guests to
write out their dreams and aspirations to add to a community canvas for the day.

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
The University Chorale – UNC Charlotte
The university’s mixed chorus presents live collective vocal stylings of lyrics and sounds
that reflect the complexity of the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of Rev. Dr. King.